292 Mr. Selby on the Quadrupeds and Birds 



kept and paid by the farmers or lessees of the estate at the same rate, and with the same 

 conditions and allowances as they enjoyed under the noble proprietor of the county. 



6. Mustela vulgaris, Common Weasel. 



7. M. erminea, Ermine Pole-cat. 



In greater plenty than the common weasel. 



8. M. putoria, Foumart. 



Common upon the banks of the rivers, margins of lakes, &c. 



9. M.fagorum aut Abietum, Pine Martin. 



Abundant in the mountainous districts, particularly where birch or other wood grows : 

 is sometimes destructive to young lambs, and often attacks the hen-roost. 



10. Lutra vulgaris, Otter. 



The otter is still pretty abundant upon the numerous lakes and rivers of this interesting 

 • county, although no opportunity is neglected of destroying them, both on account of their 

 valuable skin and for the injury they do to the salmon fisheries. Upon the salt-water 

 lochs or inlets they are also frequently taken, but these are said to be of smaller size, and 

 of a lighter colour. We had not an opportunity of comparing the two together, and are, 

 therefore, unable to say whether the animal that affects the salt water is merely a variety, 

 or a species distinct from the common otter. Specimens of both kinds are however pro- 

 mised, and we hope ere long to be able to decide this interesting point. 

 1 i . Felis Catus, Wild or Mountain Cat. 



Wild cats are very numerous in this mountainous district, where they attain a great 

 size, and sometimes commit great ravages upon the young lambs. In Assynt, upon the 

 Ben More ridge, they are very plentiful, and find secure shelter and protection in the nu- 

 merous caverns and holes of the limestone district. Of their specific distinction from the 

 common or domestic cat no doubt is now entertained, and, in addition to the different 

 form of the tail, other well marked characters exist. No mixed breed ever appears to take 

 place between the species even in situations the most likely for such an event to occur. 



12. Phoca Vitulina, Common Seal. 



Abounds in all the salt-water lochs, where it preys chiefly upon the Salmonidae. The 

 Phoca barbata (an inhabitant of the Fern Islands) is not known here. 



13. Mus musculus, Common House Mouse. 



14. M. sylvaticus, Field Mouse. 



15. M. decumanus, Brown or Norway Rat. 



16. Lepus timidus, Common Hare. 



Common in the lower lands, and the limestone district about Inch -na-DamfF. 



17. L. variabilis, Alpine Hare. 



Abundant throughout the central and mountainous parts of the county, and descends to 

 the flat grounds upon the borders of Loch Shin, &c. 



18. Arvicola aquatica, Water Rat. 



Common upon many of the slower running streams, and the islands of the various lochs. 



